Major changes to Dromore Diocese will see parishes restructured into five ‘Pastoral Areas’

Archbishop Eamon Martin who is the Apostolic Administrator, announced a new Diocesan Pastoral Council will be formed - based on the five Pastoral Areas of the Diocese.

Canon Liam Stevenson will be the Vicar Forane for the new Pastoral Area of St Ronan’s which will encompass the Parishes of Shankill (St Peter’s Lurgan) and Shankill (St Paul’s Lurgan); Parishes of Moyraverty (Craigavon) and Seagoe (Derrymacash); Parish of Magheralin.

Very Rev Brian Fitzpatrick CC Shankill (St Peter’s and St Paul’s Lurgan) to be PP of Moyraverty (Craigavon) and PP Seagoe (Derrymacash)

Very Rev Michael Maginn outgoing chaplain Craigavon Area Hospital is to be Assistant Priest in St. Ronan’s Pastoral Area.

Very Rev Canon Gerald Powell to be Vicar Forane of St Patrick’s Pastoral Area (Parishes of Seapatrick (Banbridge) and Annaclone; Parish of Tullylish; Parish of Aghaderg.)

Rev Juan Jesus Gonzales Borrallo, transitional deacon, is to serve in the Parishes of Moyraverty (Craigavon) and Seagoe (Derrymacash).

It follows a meeting of clergy and representatives last February at which the Dromore Diocesan Strategic Working Group was discussed.

Archbishop Eamon said the Diocese is re-­launching and re-­naming the five Pastoral Areas and in the coming months he will begin the process of establishing a Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council, to take forward the recommendations of the Strategic Working Group.

The five Pastoral Areas will be as follows: St Ronan’s Pastoral Area encompassing the Parishes of Shankill (St Peter’s Lurgan) and Shankill (St Paul’s Lurgan); Parishes of Moyraverty (Craigavon) and Seagoe (Derrymacash); Parish of Magheralin; St Patrick’s Pastoral Area encompassing the Parishes of Seapatrick (Banbridge) and Annaclone; Parish of Tullylish; Parish of Aghaderg; St Brigid’s Pastoral Area encompassing the Parishes of Newry and Saval; Parish of Donaghmore; St Colman’s Pastoral Area encompassing the Parish of Magheradroll (Ballynahinch); Parishes of Drumgooland and Dromara; Parish of Dromore; St Bronagh’s Pastoral Area encompassing the Parishes of St Peter’s Clonallon (Warrenpoint) and St Mary’s Clonallon (Burren); Parish of Kilbroney (Rostrevor) and the Parishes of Clonduff (Hilltown) and Drumgath (Rathfriland); Parish of St Patrick’s Clonallon (Mayobridge).

Archbishop Eamon said: “I hope the Pastoral Area discussions and work will provide a forum to bring together and add value to the work of the individual Parish Pastoral Councils. With their help, our new Diocesan Pastoral Council will be able to promote new evangelisation, pastoral renewal and increased involvement of lay women and men in the life of the Church”

He added: “I trust that the Pastoral Area structure will also facilitate faith development, improved communication, pastoral formation and training, enhanced liturgical planning and a common sense of endeavour across the Diocese of Dromore”.

Archbishop Eamon thanked the priests and deacons for their continued ministry and service, and wishes well those who are taking up these new appointments. He also thanked the people of the diocese for their ongoing prayers.

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